handbook on the management of unexploded ordnance at...

Handbook on the Management of Ordnance and Explosivesat Closed, Transferring, and Transferred Ranges

and Other Sites

REVIEW DRAFT 2August 2003

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Disclaimer

This handbook provides guidance to EPA staff. The document does not substitute for EPA’sstatutes or regulations, nor is it a regulation itself. Thus, it cannot impose legally binding

requirements on EPA, States, or the regulated community, and may not apply to a particularsituation based upon the circumstances. This handbook is an Interim Final document and

allows for future revisions as applicable.

This page intentionally left blank.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS1

GLOSSARY OF TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix2

ACRONYMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix3

1.0 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-141.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-151.2 The Common Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-261.3 Organization of This Handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-47

2.0 REGULATORY OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-182.1 Regulatory Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29

2.1.1 Defense Environmental Restoration Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2102.1.2 CERCLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3112.1.3 CERCLA Section 120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6122.1.4 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6132.1.5 Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) . . . . . . . . . 2-814

2.2 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-915

Chapter 2. Sources And Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1016

3.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF ORDNANCE AND EXPLOSIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1173.1 Overview of Explosives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-118

3.1.1 History of Explosives in the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1193.1.2 Classification of Military Energetic Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5203.1.3 Classification of Explosives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-621

3.2 Sources of Hazards from Explosives, Munition Constituents, and Release 22Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11233.2.1 Hazards Associated with Common Types of Munitions . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11243.2.2 Areas Where OE Is Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13253.2.3 Release Mechanisms for OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14263.2.4 Chemical Reactivity of Explosives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1527

3.3 Sources and Nature of the Potential Hazards Posed by Conventional28Munitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15293.3.1 Probability of Detonation as a Function of Fuze Characteristics . . . . 3-16303.3.2 Types of Explosive Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17313.3.3 Factors Affecting Potential for Ordnance Exposure to Human32

Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18333.3.4 Depth of OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19343.3.5 Environmental Factors Affecting Decomposition of OE . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20353.3.6 Explosives-Contaminated Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2236

3.4 Toxicity and Human Health and Ecological Impacts of Explosives and Other37Munition Constituents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2238

3.5 Other Sources of Conventional Munition Constituents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2839

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3.5.1 Open Burning/Open Detonation (OB/OD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2833.5.2 Explosives Manufacturing and Demilitarization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-284

3.6 Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-295


4.0 DETECTION OF UXO AND BURIED MUNITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-174.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-184.2 Selection of the Geophysical Detection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39

4.2.1 Geophysical Sensors in Use Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3104.2.2 Selection of the Geophysical Detection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5114.2.3 UXO Detection System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6124.2.4 Costs of UXO Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10134.2.5 Quality Assurance/Quality Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1014

4.3 Emerging UXO Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11154.3.1 Advanced EMI Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11164.3.2 Airborne Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1117

4.4 Use of Processing and Modeling To Discriminate UXO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13184.5 UXO Detection Demonstration Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1419

4.5.1 Jefferson Proving Ground Technology Demonstration Program . . . . 4-15204.5.2 Former Fort Ord Ordnance Detection and Discrimination21

Study (ODDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17224.5.3 UXO Technology Standardized Demonstration Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1823

4.6 Fact Sheets and Case Studies on Detection Technologies and Systems . . . . . 4-19244.7 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1925


5.0 RESPONSE TECHNOLOGIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1275.1 Treatment and Disposal of OE: An Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-328

5.1.1 Safe Handling of OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5295.1.2 Render-Safe Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-630

5.2 Treatment of OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6315.2.1 Open Detonation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6325.2.2 Open Burning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9335.2.3 Alternative Treatment Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-934

5.3 Treatment of Soils That Contain Reactive and/or Ignitable Compounds . . . . 5-13355.3.1 Biological Treatment Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13365.3.2 Soil Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18375.3.3 Wet Air Oxidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19385.3.4 Low-Temperature Thermal Desorption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1939

5.4 Decontamination of Equipment and Scrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2040

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35.5 Safe Deactivation of Energetic Materials and Beneficial Use of4

Byproducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2155.6 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-216


6.0 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-186.1 Introduction to DoD Explosives Safety Requirements and the DoD Explosives9

Safety Board (DDESB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1106.2 Explosives Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-311

6.2.1 General Safety Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4126.2.2 Transportation and Storage Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4136.2.3 Quantity-Distance (Q-D) Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5146.2.4 Protective Measures for UXO/EOD Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6156.2.5 Emergency Response and Contingency Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6166.2.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7176.2.7 Personnel Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7186.2.8 Assessment Depths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8196.2.9 Land Use Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-920

6.3 Managing Explosives Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11216.3.1 Site Safety and Health Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11226.3.3 Explosives Safety Submission Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1423

6.4 Public Education About UXO Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17246.5 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1925


7.0 PLANNING OE INVESTIGATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1277.1 Overview of Elements of OE Site Characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2287.2 Overview of Systematic Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3297.3 Stage 1: Establishing the Goal(s) of the Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-430

7.3.1 Establishing the Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4317.3.2 Establishing the Goals of the Site Characterization Process . . . . . . . . . 7-532

7.4 Stage 2: Preparing for the Investigation: Gathering Information To Design a33Conceptual Site Model and Establishing Sampling and Analysis Objectives . . 7-6347.4.1 The Conceptual Site Model (CSM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6357.4.2 Assessment of Currently Available Information To Determine Data36

Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7377.4.3 Key Components of Ordnance Related CSMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10387.4.5 Documentation of the CSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15397.4.6 Preliminary Remediation Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1840

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7.4.7 Project Schedule, Milestones, Resources, and Regulatory3Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-204

7.4.8 Identification of Remedial Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2357.4.9 The Data Quality Objectives of the Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-246


8.0 DEVISING INVESTIGATION AND RESPONSE STRATEGIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-188.1 Identification of Appropriate Detection Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-398.2 UXO Detection Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4108.3 Methodologies for Identifying OE Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-611

8.3.1 CSM-Based Sampling Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7128.3.2 Use of Statistically Based Methodologies To Identify UXO . . . . . . . 8-1213

8.4 Incorporating QA/QC Measures Throughout the Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21148.5 Devising an Investigation Strategy for Munitions Constituents . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2315

8.5.1 Sampling Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23168.5.2 Selecting Analytical Methodologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-27178.5.3 Field Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-27188.5.4 Fixed Laboratory Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3119

8.6 Developing the Site Response Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-33208.6.1 Assumptions of the Site Response Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-34218.6.2 Attributes of the Site Response Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-35228.6.3 Questions Addressed in the Development of the Site Response23Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3724

8.7 Framework For Making the Decision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-42258.8 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4226


9.0 UNDERWATER ORDNANCE AND EXPLOSIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1289.1 Conceptual Site Model for Underwater Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-129

9.1.1 Areas Where Underwater OE Is Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2309.1.2 Potential for Exposure to OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2319.1.3 Environmental Factors Affecting Decomposition of Underwater OE32

Resulting in Releases of Munition Constituents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4339.1.4 Environmental Fate and Transport of Munition Constituents . . . . . . . . 9-5349.1.5 Ecological and Human Health Effects and Toxicity of Explosive35

Compounds and Other Munition Constituents in the Underwater36Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-737

9.1.6 An Example Conceptual Site Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8389.2 Detection of Underwater OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-939

9.2.1 Detection Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12409.2.2 Platform, Positioning, and Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1341

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9.2.3 Use of Divers for Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1439.2.4 Other Technological Approaches for Detecting Underwater OE4

and UXO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1559.3 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2569.4 Underwater Response Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-257

9.4.1 Blowing In Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2589.4.2 Dredging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-269

Chapter 9. Sources and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2810

10.0 CHEMICAL MUNITIONS AND AGENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1 11

LIST OF TABLES12

Table 3-1 Pyrotechnic Special Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-813Table 3-2 Examples of Depths of Ordnance Penetration into Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2014Table 3-3 Potential Toxic Effects of Exposure to Explosive Chemicals and15

Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2316Table 3-4 Primary Uses of Explosive Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2517Table 4-1 Examples of Site-Specific Factors To Be Considered in Selecting18

a Detection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-519Table 4-2 System Element Influences on Detection System Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-720Table 4-3 Description of Positioning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-821Table 5-1 Overview of Remediation Technologies for Explosives and Residues . . . . . . . . . 5-422Table 5-2 Characteristics of Incinerators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1223Table 6-1 Assessment Depths To Be Used for Planning Purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-924Table 7-1 Potential Information for OE Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1025Table 7-2 Ordnance-Related Activities and Associated Primary Sources and Release26

Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1127Table 7-3 Release Mechanisms and Expected OE Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1128Table 7-4 Example of CSM Elements for Firing Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1229Table 7-5 Ordnance-Related Activities and Associated Primary Sources30

and Release Mechanisms for Explosives and Ordnance (OE) Manufacturing . . 7-1231Table 7-6 Release Mechanisms and Expected OE Contamination for OE Manufacturing . . 7-1332Table 8-1 UXO Calculator and SiteStats/GridStats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1533Table 8-2 General Summary of Statistical Geophysical Survey Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1634Table 8-3 Explosive Compounds Detectable by Common Field Analytical Methods . . . . . 8-3035Table 9-1 Exposure Scenarios from Underwater OE and UXO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-336

37

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1LIST OF FIGURES2

Figure 3-1. Schematic of an Explosive Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-63Figure 3-2. Explosive Trains in a Round of Artillery Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-64Figure 3-3. Mechanical All-Way-Acting Fuze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-175Figure 3-4. Mechanical Time Fuze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-176Figure 4-1. Hand-Held Magnetometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-237Figure 4-2. EM61 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-268Figure 5-1. Windrow Composting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-159Figure 5-2. Typical Windrow Composting Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1610Figure 5-3. Side and Top View of Windrow Composting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1611Figure 5-4. Slurry Reactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1712Figure 6-1. Routing and Approval of Explosives Safety Submission (ESS) for OE13

Response Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1514Figure 7-1. Systematic Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-315Figure 7-2. Conceptual Site Model: Vertical View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1516Figure 7-3. Conceptual Site Model: Plan View of a Range Investigation Area . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1617Figure 7-4. Conceptual Site Model: Plan View of a Closed TNT Manufacturing18

Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1719Figure 8-1. Example of Search Transects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-820Figure 8-2. Example of a Sample Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1021Figure 8-3. Sampling Scheme for Short-Range Heterogeneity Study; Monite Site,22

Sampling Location #1, Major Analyte: TNT (mg/kg) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2523Figure 8-4. Results of Composite and Discrete Samples; Soil Analyses: On-Site and24

Laboratory Methods, Monite Site and Hawthorne AAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2625Figure 8-5. Comparison of Field and Fixed Laboratory Methods;26

Valcartier ATR: TNT Concentrations On-Site vs. Laboratory Results . . . . . . . 8-3027Figure 8-6. Developing a Site Response Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3828Figure 9-1. Example of Offshore Clearance Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-429Figure 9-2. Example of a Conceptual Site Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1130Figure 9-3. Airborne Geophysical Survey Helicopter Platform (from ORNL, 2002) . . . . . . 9-2031Figure 9-4. Orthophoto of North Beach Area, former Camp Wellfleet, Massachusetts32

with Detected Targets Indicated with Orange Triangles33(from ORNL, 2002) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2134

Figure 9-5. Map of the Analytic Signal of North Beach Area, Former35Camp Wellfleet, Massachusetts (from ORNL, 2002) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2236

ATTACHMENTS3738

DoD and EPA Management Principles for Implementing Response Actions at39Closed, Transferring, and Transferred (CTT) Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

ATTACHMENT 4-1. FACT SHEET #1: MAGNETOMETRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2141ATTACHMENT 4-2. FACT SHEET #2: ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION (EMI) . . . 4-2542ATTACHMENT 4-3. FACT SHEET #3: GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) . . . 4-2843

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ATTACHMENTS Continued12

ATTACHMENT 4-4. CASE STUDY #1: MULTISENSOR SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-303ATTACHMENT 4-5. CASE STUDY #2: MAGNETOMETRY SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-314ATTACHMENT 4-6. CASE STUDY #3: GROUND PENETRATING RADAR SYSTEM 4-325

REVIEW DRAFT–Do Not Cite or QuoteGlossary of Terms August 2003x

GLOSSARY OF TERMS1

Anomaly. Any identified subsurface mass that may be geologic in origin, unexploded ordnance2(UXO), or some other man-made material. Such identification is made through geophysical3investigation and reflects the response of the sensor used to conduct the investigation.4

Anomaly reacquisition. The process of confirming the location of an anomaly after the initial5geophysical mapping conducted on a range. The most accurate reacquisition is accomplished using6the same instrument used in the geophysical survey to pinpoint the anomaly and reduce the area the7excavation team needs to search to find the item.28

Archives search report. An investigation to report past ordnance and explosives (OE) activities9conducted on an installation.310

Arming device. A device designed to perform the electrical and/or mechanical alignment necessary11to initiate an explosive train.12

Blast overpressure. The pressure, exceeding the ambient pressure, manifested in the shock wave13of an explosion.814

Blow-in-place. Method used to destroy UXO, by use of explosives, in the location the item is15encountered. 16

Buried munitions. Munitions that have been intentionally discarded by being buried with the intent17of disposal. Such munitions may be either used or unused military munitions. Such munitions do18not include unexploded ordnance that become buried through use.19

Caliber. The diameter of a projectile or the diameter of the bore of a gun or launching tube. Caliber20is usually expressed in millimeters or inches. In some instances (primarily with naval ordnance),21caliber is also used as a measure of the length of a weapon’s barrel. For example, the term “5 inch2238 caliber” describes ordnance used in a 5-inch gun with a barrel length that is 38 times the diameter23of the bore.524

Casing. The fabricated outer part of ordnance designed to hold an explosive charge and the25mechanism required to detonate this charge.26

Chemical warfare agent. A substance that is intended for military use with lethal or incapacitating27effects upon personnel through its chemical properties.428

Clearance. The removal of UXO from the surface or subsurface at active and inactive ranges.29

Closed range. A range that has been taken out of service and either has been put to new uses that30are incompatible with range activities or is not considered by the military to be a potential range31area. A closed range is still under the control of the military.632

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Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).1CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund, is a Federal law that provides for the cleanup of releases2from abandoned waste sites that contain hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants.73

Deflagration. A rapid chemical reaction occurring at a rate of less than 3,300 feet per second in4which the output of heat is enough to enable the reaction to proceed and be accelerated without input5of heat from another source. The effect of a true deflagration under confinement is an explosion.6Confinement of the reaction increases pressure, rate of reaction, and temperature, and may cause7transition into a detonation.88

Demilitarization. The act of disassembling chemical or conventional military munitions for the9purpose of recycling, reclamation, or reuse of components. Also, rendering chemical or conventional10military munitions innocuous or ineffectual for military use. The term encompasses various11approved demilitarization methods such as mutilation, alteration, or destruction to prevent further12use for its originally intended military purpose.1013

Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB). The DoD organization charged with14promulgation of ammunition and explosives safety policy and standards, and with reporting on the15effectiveness of the implementation of such policy and standards.816

Detonation. A violent chemical reaction within a chemical compound or mechanical mixture17evolving heat and pressure. The result of the chemical reaction is exertion of extremely high18pressure on the surrounding medium. The rate of a detonation is supersonic, above 3,300 feet per19second.420

Disposal. The discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of any solid waste21or hazardous waste into or on any land or water so that such solid waste or hazardous waste or any22constituent thereof may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any23waters, including groundwaters.924

Dud-fired. Munitions that failed to function as intended or as designed. They can be armed or not25armed as intended or at some stage in between.26

Electromagnetic induction. Transfer of electrical power from one circuit to another by varying27the magnetic linkage.28

Excavation of anomalies. The excavation, identification, and proper disposition of a subsurface29anomaly.230

Explosion. A chemical reaction of any chemical compound or mechanical mixture that, when31initiated, undergoes a very rapid combustion or decomposition, releasing large volumes of highly32heated gases that exert pressure on the surrounding medium. Also, a mechanical reaction in which33failure of the container causes sudden release of pressure from within a pressure vessel. Depending34

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on the rate of energy release, an explosion can be categorized as a deflagration, a detonation, or1pressure rupture.42

Explosive. A substance or mixture of substances, which is capable, by chemical reaction, of3producing gas at such a temperature, pressure and rate as to be capable of causing damage to the4surroundings. 5

Explosive filler. The energetic compound or mixture inside an OE item.6

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). The detection, identification, field evaluation, rendering-safe7recovery, and final disposal of unexploded ordnance or munitions. It may also include the8rendering-safe and/or disposal of explosive ordnance (EO) that has become hazardous by damage9or deterioration, when the disposal of such EO is beyond the capabilities of the personnel normally10assigned the responsibilities for routine disposal.1111

EOD incident. The suspected or detected presence of a UXO or damaged military munition that12constitutes a hazard to operations, installations, personnel, or material. Each EOD response to a13reported UXO is an EOD incident. Not included are accidental arming or other conditions that14develop during the manufacture of high explosives material, technical service assembly operations,15or the laying of land mines or demolition charges.16 17Explosive soil. Explosive soil refers to any mixture of explosives in soil, sand, clay, or other solid18media at concentrations such that the mixture itself is reactive or ignitable. Defined by the U.S.19Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as soil that is composed of more than 12 percent reactive or20ignitable material. See also ignitable soil and reactive soil.21

Explosive train. The arrangement of different explosives in OE arranged according to the most22sensitive and least powerful to the least sensitive and most powerful (initiator - booster - burster).23A small quantify of an initiating compound or mixture, such as lead azide, is used to detonate a24larger quantity of a booster compound, such as tetryl, that results in the main or booster charge of25a RDX composition, TNT, or other compound or mixture detonating.26

Explosives safety. A condition in which operational capability, personnel, property, and the27environment are protected from the unacceptable effects of an ammunition or explosives mishap.928

Explosives Safety Submission. The document that serves as the specifications for conducting work29activities at the project. It details the scope of the project, the planned work activities and potential30hazards, and the methods for their control.3 It is prepared, submitted, and approved per DDESB31requirements. It is required for all response actions that deal with energetic material (e.g., UXO,32buried munitions), including time-critical removal actions, non-time-critical removal actions, and33remedial actions involving explosive hazards.34

False alarm. The incorrect classification of nonordnance (e.g., clutter) as ordnance, or a declared35geophysical target location that does not correspond to the actual target location. 36

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False negative. The incorrect declaration of an ordnance item as nonordnance by the geophysical1instrument used, or misidentification in post-processing, which results on potential risks remaining2following UXO investigations.3

False positive. The incorrect identification of anomalous items as ordnance.4

Federal land manager. With respect to any lands owned by the United States Government, the5secretary of the department with authority over such lands.6

Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS). Real property that was formerly owned by, leased by,7possessed by, or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense or the components,8including organizations that predate DoD.39

Fragmentation. The breaking up of the confining material of a chemical compound or mechanical10mixture when an explosion occurs. Fragments may be complete items, subassemblies, or pieces11thereof, or pieces of equipment or buildings containing the items.412

Fuze. 1. A device with explosive components designed to initiate a train of fire or detonation in13ordnance. 2. A nonexplosive device designed to initiate an explosion in ordnance.514

Gradiometer. Magnetometer for measuring the rate of change of a magnetic field.15

Ground-penetrating radar. A system that uses pulsed radio waves to penetrate the ground and16measure the distance and direction of subsurface targets through radio waves that are reflected back17to the system.18

Hazard ranking system (HRS). The principal mechanism EPA uses to place waste sites on the19National Priorities List (NPL). It is a numerically based screening system that uses information20from initial, limited investigations — the preliminary assessment and the site inspection — to assess21the relative potential of sites to pose a threat to human health or the environment.722

Hazardous substance. Any substance designated pursuant to Section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Clean23Water Act (CWA); any element, compound, mixture, solution, or substance designated pursuant to24Section 102 of CERCLA; any hazardous waste having the characteristics identified under or listed25pursuant to section 3001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (but not including any waste the regulation26of which under the Solid Waste Disposal Act has been suspended by an Act of Congress); any toxic27pollutant listed under Section 307(a) of the CWA; any hazardous air pollutant listed under Section28112 of the Clean Air Act; and any imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture with respect29to which the EPA Administrator has taken action pursuant to Section 7 of the Toxic Substances30Control Act.1231

Hazardous waste. A solid waste, or combination of solid waste, which because of its quantity,32concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may (a) cause, or significantly33contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating 34

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reversible, illness; or (b) pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the1environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed.82Chemical agents and munitions become hazardous wastes if (a) they become a solid waste under 403CFR 266.202, and (b) they are listed as a hazardous waste or exhibit a hazardous waste4characteristic; chemical agents and munitions that are hazardous wastes must be managed in5accordance with all applicable requirements of RCRA.136

Ignitable soil. Any mixture of explosives in soil, sand, clay, or other solid media at concentrations7such that the mixture itself exhibits any of the properties of ignitability as defined in 40 CFR 261.21.8

Inactive range. A military range that is not currently being used, but that is still under military9control and considered by the military to be a potential range area, and that has not been put to a new10use that is incompatible with range activities.1311

Incendiary. Any flammable material that is used as a filler in ordnance intended to destroy a target12by fire.13

Indian Tribe. Any Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including14any Alaska Native village but not including any Alaska Native regional or village corporation,15which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States16to Indians because of their status as Indians.1217

Inert. The state of some types of ordnance, which have functioned as designed, leaving a harmless18carrier, or ordnance manufactured without explosive, propellant or pyrotechnic content to serve a19specific training purpose. Inert ordnance poses no explosive hazard to personnel or material.1420

Installation Restoration Program (IRP). A program within DoD that funds the identification,21investigation, and cleanup of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants associated with22past DoD activities at operating and closing installations, and at FUDS.23

Institutional controls. Nonengineering measures designed to prevent or limit exposure to24hazardous substances left in place at a site or ensure effectiveness of the chosen remedy.25Institutional controls are usually, but not always, legal controls, such as easements, restrictive26covenants, and zoning ordinances.1527

Land use controls. Any type of physical, legal, or administrative mechanism that restricts the use28of, or limits access to, real property to prevent or reduce risks to human health and the environment.29

Lead agency. The agency that provides the on-scene coordinator or remedial project manager to30plan and implement response actions under the National Contingency Plan (NCP). EPA, the U.S.31Coast Guard, another Federal agency, or a State operating pursuant to a contract or cooperative32agreement executed pursuant to section 104(d)(1) of CERCLA, or designated pursuant to a33Superfund Memorandum of Agreement (SMOA) entered into pursuant to subpart F of the NCP or34

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other agreements may be the lead agency for a response action. In the case of a release or a1hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant, where the release is on, or the sole source of the2release is from, any facility or vessel under the jurisdiction, custody or control of a Federal agency,3that agency will be the Lead Agency.74

Magnetometer. An instrument for measuring the intensity of magnetic fields.5

Maximum credible event. The worst single event that is likely to occur from a given quantity and6disposition of ammunition and explosives. Used in hazards evaluation as a basis for effects7calculations and casualty predictions.38

Military munition. All ammunition products and components produced or used by or for DoD or9the U.S. Armed Services for national defense and security, including military munitions under the10control of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE),11and National Guard personnel. The term military munitions includes: confined gaseous, liquid, and12solid propellants, explosives, pyrotechnics, chemical and riot control agents, smokes, and13incendiaries used by DoD components, including bulk explosives and chemical warfare agents,14chemical munitions, rockets, guided and ballistic missiles, bombs, warheads, mortar rounds, artillery15ammunition, small arms ammunition, mines, torpedoes, depth charges, cluster munitions and16dispensers, grenades, demolition charges, and devices and components thereof. Military munitions17do not include wholly inert items, improvised explosive devices, and nuclear weapons, nuclear18devices, and nuclear components thereof. However, the term does include non-nuclear components19of nuclear devices, managed under DOE’s nuclear weapons program after all required sanitization20operations under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, have been completed.321

Military range. Any designated land and water areas set aside, managed, and used to conduct22research on, develop, test, and evaluate military munitions and explosives, other ordnance, or23weapon systems, or to train military personnel in their use and handling. Ranges include firing lines24and positions, maneuver areas, firing lanes, test pads, detonation pads, impact areas, and buffer25zones with restricted access and exclusionary areas.1326

Mishap. An accident or an unexpected event involving DoD ammunition and explosives.927

Most probable munition. The round with the greatest hazardous fragment range that can28reasonably be expected to exist in any particular OE area.329

Munition constituents. Potentially hazardous chemicals that are located on or originate from CTT30ranges and are released from military munitions or UXO, or have resulted from other activities on31military ranges. Munition constituents may be subject to other statutory authorities, including, but32not limited to, CERCLA (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and RCRA (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).33

Munitions response. DoD response actions (removal or remedial) to investigate and address the34explosives safety, human health or environmental risks presented by munition and explosives of35concern (MEC, also known as ordnance and explosives or OE) and munition constituents. The term36

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is consistent with the definitions of removal and remedial actions that are found in the National1Contingency Plan. The response could be as simple as an administrative or legal controls that2preserve a compatible land use (i.e. institutional controls) or as complicated as a long-term response3action involving sophisticated technology, specialized expertise, and significant resources.4

National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, or National Contingency5Plan (NCP). The regulations for responding to releases and threatened releases of hazardous6substances, pollutants, or contaminants under CERCLA.77

National Priorities List (NPL). A national list of hazardous waste sites that have been assessed8against the Hazard Ranking System and score above 28.5. The listing of a site on the NPL takes9place under the authority of CERCLA and is published in the Federal Register.710

Obscurant. Man-made or naturally occurring particles suspended in the air that block or weaken11the transmission of a particular part or parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.12

On-scene coordinator (OSC). The Federal designated by EPA, DoD, or the U.S. Coast Guard or13the official designated by the lead agency to coordinate and direct response actions. Also, the14Federal official designated by EPA or the U.S. Cost Guard to coordinate and direct Federal15responses under subpart D, or the official designated by the lead agency to coordinate and direct16removal actions under subpart E of the NCP.717

Open burning. The combustion of any material without (1) control of combustion air, (2)18containment of the combustion reaction in an enclosed device, (3) mixing for complete combustion,19and (4) control of emission of the gaseous combustion products.1020

Open detonation. A chemical process used for the treatment of unserviceable, obsolete, and/or21waste munitions whereby an explosive donor charge initiates the munitions to be detonated.1022

Ordnance and explosives (OE). OE, also known as munitions and explosives of concern (MEC),23are any of the following: (1) military munitions that are unexploded ordnance (UXO) or are24abandoned. (2) Soil with a high enough concentration of explosives to present an explosive hazard.25(3) Facilities, equipment, or other materials contaminated with a high enough concentration of26explosives such that they present a hazard of explosion.27

Ordnance and explosives area (OE area). Any area that may contain ordnance and explosives and28that requires an explosives safety plan prior to investigation and/or cleanup. Entire ranges or29subparts of ranges may be OE areas that are the target of investigation and cleanup activities.30

Other sites. Sites, such as scrap yards, ammunition depots, disposal pits, ammunition plants, and31research and testing facilities no longer under DoD control and that may contain OE.32

Overpressure. The blast wave or sudden pressure increase resulting from a violent release of33energy from a detonation in a gaseous medium.1134

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Practice ordnance. Ordnance manufactured to serve a training purpose. Practice ordnance1generally does not carry a full payload. Practice ordnance may still contain explosive components2such as spotting charges, bursters, and propulsion charges.143

Preliminary assessment (PA) and site inspection (SI). A PA/SI is a preliminary evaluation of the4existence of a release or the potential for a release. The PA is a limited-scope investigation based5on existing information. The SI is a limited-scope field investigation. The decision that no further6action is needed or that further investigation is needed is based on information gathered from one7or both types of investigation. The results of the PA/SI are used by DoD to determine if an area8should be designated as a “site” under the Installation Restoration Program. EPA uses the9information generated by a PA/SI to rank sites against Hazard Ranking System criteria and decide10if the site should be proposed for listing on the NPL.11

Projectile. An object projected by an applied force and continuing in motion by its own inertia, as12mortar, small arms, and artillery shells. Also applied to rockets and to guided missiles.13

Propellant. An agent such as an explosive powder or fuel that can be made to provide the necessary14energy for propelling ordnance.15

Quantity-distance (Q-D). The relationship between the quantity of explosive material and the16distance separation between the explosive and people or structures. These relationships are based17on levels of risk considered acceptable for protection from defined types of exposures. These are18not absolute safe distances, but are relative protective or safe distances.319

Reactive soil. Any mixture of explosives in soil, sand, clay, or other solid media at concentrations20such that the mixture itself exhibits any of the properties of reactivity as defined in 40 CFR 261.23.21

Real property. Land, buildings, structures, utility systems, improvements, and appurtenances22thereto. Includes equipment attached to and made part of buildings and structures (such as heating23systems) but not movable equipment (such as plant equipment).24

Record of Decision (ROD). A public decision document for a Superfund site that explains the basis25of the remedy decision and, if cleanup is required, which cleanup alternative will be used. It26provides the legal record of the manner in which the selected remedy complies with the statutory27and regulatory requirements of CERCLA and the NCP.728

Release. Any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting,29escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the abandonment or30discarding of barrels, containers, and other closed receptacles containing any hazardous substance31or pollutant or contaminant).1232

Remedial action. A type of response action under CERCLA. Remedial actions are those actions33consistent with a permanent remedy, instead of or in addition to removal actions, to prevent or34minimize the release of hazardous substances into the environment.1235

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Remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS). The process used under the remedial1program to investigate a site, determine if action is needed, and select a remedy that (a) protects2human health and the environment; (b) complies with the applicable or relevant and appropriate3requirements; and (c) provides for a cost-effective, permanent remedy that treats the principal threat4at the site to the maximum extent practicable. The RI serves as the mechanism for collecting data5to determine if there is a potential risk to human health and the environment from releases or6potential releases at the site. The FS is the mechanism for developing, screening, and evaluating7alternative remedial actions against nine criteria outlined in the NCP that guide the remedy selection8process.9

Remedial project manager (RPM). The official designated by the lead agency to coordinate,10monitor, and direct remedial or other response actions.711

Removal action. Short-term response actions under CERCLA that address immediate threats to12public health and the environment.1213

Render-safe procedures. The portion of EOD procedures involving the application of special EOD14methods and tools to provide for the interruption of functions or separation of essential components15of UXO to prevent an unacceptable detonation.11 16

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The Federal statute that governs the17management of all hazardous waste from cradle to grave. RCRA covers requirements regarding18identification, management, and cleanup of waste, including (1) identification of when a waste is19solid or hazardous; (2) management of waste — transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal; and20(3) corrective action, including investigation and cleanup, of old solid waste management units.821

Response action. As defined in Section 101 of CERCLA, “remove, removal, remedy, or remedial22action, including enforcement activities related thereto.” As used in this handbook, the term23response action incorporates cleanup activities undertaken under any statutory authority.1224

Solid waste. Any garbage, refuse, sludge from a waste treatment plant, water supply treatment25plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid,26or contained gaseous material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural27operations, and from community activities, but not including solid or dissolved material in domestic28sewage, or solid or dissolved materials in irrigation return flows or industrial discharges which are29point sources subject to permits under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as30amended, or source, special nuclear, or byproduct material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of311954, as amended.8 When a military munition is identified as a solid waste is defined in 40 CFR32266.202.1333

State. The several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of34Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas,35and any other territory or possession over which the United States has jurisdiction. Includes Indian36Tribes as defined in CERCLA Chapter 103 § 9671.737

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Transferred ranges. Ranges that have been transferred from DoD control to other Federal1agencies, State or local agencies, or private entities (e.g., Formerly Used Defense Sites, or FUDS).2A military range that has been released from military control.63

Transferring ranges. Ranges in the process of being transferred from DoD control (e.g., sites that4are at facilities closing under the Base Realignment and Closure Act, or BRAC). A military range5that is proposed to be leased, transferred, or returned from the Department of Defense to another6entity, including Federal entities.67

Treatment. When used in conjunction with hazardous waste, means any method, technique, or8process, including neutralization, designed to change the physical, chemical, or biological character9or composition of any hazardous waste so as to neutralize such waste or so as to render such waste10nonhazardous, safer for transport, amenable for recovery, amenable for storage, or reduced in11volume. Such term includes any activity or processing designed to change the physical form or12chemical composition of hazardous waste so as to render it nonhazardous.813

Unexploded ordnance (UXO). Military munitions that have been primed, fuzed, armed, or14otherwise prepared for action, and have been fired, dropped, launched, projected, or placed in such15a manner as to constitute a hazard to operations, installation, personnel, or material and that remain16unexploded either by malfunction, design, or any other cause.1317

Warhead. The payload section of a guided missile, rocket, or torpedo.18

Sources: 19

1. U.S. EPA. Guidance on Conducting Non-Time-Critical Removal Actions Under CERCLA. EPA/540/R-93/057.20August 1993.21

2. Department of Defense. EM 1110-1-4009. June 23, 2000.223. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pamphlet No. 1110-1-18, “Engineering and Design Ordnance and Explosives23

Response,” April 24, 2000.244. DoD 6055.9-STD, Department of Defense Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards.255. Federal Advisory Committee for the Development of Innovative Technologies, “Unexploded Ordnance (UXO):26

An Overview,” Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, UXO Countermeasures Department,27October 1996. 28

6. Closed, Transferring, and Transferred Ranges Containing Military Munitions, Proposed Rule, 62 FR 187,29September 26, 1997.30

7. National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (more commonly called the National31Contingency Plan), 40 C.F.R. § 300 et seq.32

8. Department of Defense Directive 6055.9. “DoD Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) and DoD Component33Explosives Safety Responsibilities,” July 29, 1996.34

9. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.3510. Department of Defense. Policy to Implement the EPA’s Military Munitions Rule. July 1, 1998.3611. Joint Publication 1-02, “DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms,” April 12, 2001.3712. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.3813. Military Munitions Rule: Hazardous Waste Identification and Management; Explosives Emergencies; Manifest39

Exception for Transport of Hazardous Waste on Right-of-Ways on Contiguous Properties, Final Rule, 40 C.F.R.40§ 260 et seq.41

14. Former Fort Ord, California, Draft Ordnance Detection and Discrimination Study Work Plan, Sacramento District,42U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Prepared by Parsons. August 18, 1999.43

REVIEW DRAFT–Do Not Cite or QuoteGlossary of Terms August 2003xx

15. EPA Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office. Institutional Controls and Transfer of Real Property Under1CERCLA Section 120(h)(3)(A), (B), or (C), Interim Final Guidance, January 2000.2

REVIEW DRAFT–Do Not Cite or QuoteAcronyms August 2003xxi

ACRONYMS1

ARAR applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements2ATR aided or automatic target recognition 3ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry4ATV autonomous tow vehicle5BIP blow-in-place6BRAC Base Realignment and Closure Act7CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 8CSM conceptual site model9CTT closed, transferring, and transferred [ranges] 10DDESB Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board11DERP Defense Environmental Restoration Program12DGPS differential global positioning system13DoD Department of Defense14DOE Department of Energy15DQO data quality objective16EMI electromagnetic induction 17EMR electromagnetic radiation18EOD Explosive ordnance disposal19EPA Environmental Protection Agency20EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act21ESS Explosives Safety Submission22FFA Federal facility agreement23FFCA Federal Facility Compliance Act 24FUDS Formerly Used Defense Sites25GIS geographic information system26GPR ground-penetrating radar 27GPS global positioning system28HMX Her Majesty’s Explosive, High Melting Explosive29IAG interagency agreement30IR infrared 31IRIS Integrated Risk Information System32JPGTD Jefferson Proving Ground Technology Demonstration Program 33JUXOCO Joint UXO Coordination Office 34MCE maximum credible event35MTADS Multisensor Towed-Array Detection System 36NCP National Contingency Plan37NPL National Priorities List38OB/OD open burning/open detonation39OE ordnance and explosives40PA/SI preliminary assessment/site inspection 41PEP propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics 42PPE personal protective equipment43

REVIEW DRAFT–Do Not Cite or QuoteAcronyms August 2003xxii

PRG preliminary remediation goal 1QA/QC quality assurance/quality control2Q-D quantity-distance3RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act4RDX Royal Demolition Explosive 5RF radio frequency6RI/FS remedial investigation/feasibility study7ROD Record of Decision8SAR synthetic aperture radar 9SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act10SERDP Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program 11TNT 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene12USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers13USAEC U.S. Army Environmental Center14UWB ultra wide band 15UXO unexploded ordnance16

REVIEW DRAFT– Do Not Cite or QuoteChapter 1. Introduction August 20031-1

1.0 INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Overview2

This handbook has been written for regulators and the interested public to facilitate3understanding of the wide variety of technical issues that surround the investigation and cleanup of4closed, transferring, and transferred (CTT) ranges and other sites at current and former Department5of Defense (DoD) facilities (see text box below). The handbook is designed to provide a common6nomenclature to aid in the management of ordnance and explosives (OE) at CTT ranges and other7sites, including:8

• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO),9• Abandoned and/or buried munitions, and10• Soil with properties that are reactive and/or ignitable due to contamination with munition11

constituents.12

The definition of OE also includes facilities and equipment; however, the focus of this handbook13is on the three items above.14

The handbook also discusses common chemical residues (called munition constituents) of15explosives that may or may not retain reactive and/or ignitable properties but could have a potential16impact on human health and the environment through a variety of pathways (surface and subsurface,17soil, air and water).18

Why Does This Handbook Focus on CTT Ranges and Other Sites?

EPA’s major regulatory concern is CTT ranges and other sites where the industrial activity may have ceased andOE and munition constituents may be present. This focus occurs for several reasons:

• Transferring and transferred ranges are either in or about to be in the public domain. EPA, States, Tribes,and local governments have regulatory responsibility at the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC)facilities and the Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) that make up the transferring and transferred ranges.

• EPA, States, Tribes, and local governments have encountered numerous instances where issues have beenraised about whether transferring and transferred ranges are safe for both their current use and the uses towhich they may be put in the future.

• Closed ranges at active bases are sites that have been taken out of service as a range and may be put tomultiple uses in the future that may not be compatible with the former range use.

• The most likely sites where used and fired military munitions will be a regulated solid waste, and thereforea potential hazardous waste, are at CTT ranges.

• Other sites that are addressed by this handbook include nonoperational, nonpermitted sites where OE may beencountered, such as scrap yards, disposal pits, ammunition plants, DoD ammunition depots, and research andtesting facilities.

• Finally, EPA anticipates that the military will oversee and manage environmental releases at their active andinactive ranges and at permitted facilities as part of their compliance program.


For the purposes of simplifying the discussion, when the term ordnance and explosives is1used, the handbook is referring to the three groups listed above. When the handbook is referring to2chemical residues that may or may not have reactive and/or ignitable characteristics, they are called3munition constituents.4

Buried or stored bulk explosives are not often found at CTT ranges, but may be found on5other sites (e.g., old manufacturing facilities). Although bulk explosives are not explicitly identified6as a separate OE item, the information in this handbook often applies to bulk explosives, as well as7other OE items.8

The handbook is designed to facilitate a common understanding of the state of the art of OE9detection and munitions response, and to present U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)10guidance on the management of OE at CTT ranges and other sites. The handbook is currently11organized into ten chapters (Chapter 10 Reserved) that are designed to be used as resources for12regulators and the public. Each of the chapters presents basic information and defines key terms.13The handbook is a living document and additional chapters are under development. In addition, a14number of areas covered by the handbook are the subject of substantial on-going research and15development and may change in the future (see text box below). Therefore, the handbook is16presented in a notebook format so that replacement pages can be inserted as new technical17information becomes available and as policies and procedures evolve. Replacement pages will be18posted on the Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office web page, a website of the Office of19Solid Waste and Emergency Response (www.epa.gov/swerffrr).20

1.2 The Common Nomenclature2122

Listed below are selected key terms that23are necessary for understanding the scope of24this handbook (see text box at right). For25additional definitions, the user is directed to the26glossary at the beginning of this document.27

1. Unexploded ordnance — The28term UXO, or unexploded29ordnance, means military30munitions that have been primed,31fuzed, armed, or otherwise32prepared for action, and have been33fired, dropped, launched,34

Policy Background on Range Cleanup

The regulatory basis for OE investigation and cleanup on CTT ranges is evolving. This handbook has beenprepared within the context of extensive discussion involving Congress, DoD, EPA, Federal land managers, States,Tribes, and the public about the cleanup and regulation of CTT ranges.

About These Definitions

The user of this handbook should be aware that thedefinitions below are not necessarily official orregulatory definitions. Instead, they are an attempt to“translate” the formal definition into “plain English.”However, the glossary associated with this handbookuses official definitions when available. Thosedefinitions that come from official sources (e.g.,statutes, regulations, formal policy or standards) areappropriately footnoted. The user should not rely onthe definitions in this chapter or the glossary for legalunderstanding of a key term, but should instead refer tothe promulgated and/or other official documents.

1The definition of closed range is taken from Department of Defense Policy to Implement the Munitions Rule,July 1998. It is consistent with the definitions in the Munitions Rule described.


projected, or placed in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to operations,1installations, personnel, or material and remain unexploded either by malfunction,2design, or any other cause. 3

2. Military Range — A range is any designated land mass and/or water body that is or4was used for the conduct of training, research, development, testing, or evaluation of5military munitions or explosives.6

3. Closed, transferring, and transferred ranges — A closed range is a range that has7been taken out of service and either has been put to new uses that are incompatible with8range activities or is not considered by the military to be a potential range area, yet it9remains in the control of the Department of Defense.1 Transferring ranges are those10ranges in the process of being transferred from DoD control or ownership (e.g., sites11that are at facilities closing under the Base Realignment and Closure Program, or12BRAC). Transferred ranges are those ranges that have been transferred from DoD13control or ownership to other Federal agencies, State or local agencies, or private14entities (e.g., Formerly Used Defense Sites, or FUDS).15

4. Ordnance and explosives (OE), also called munitions and explosives of concern, or16MEC — This term is used by U.S. Army explosives safety personnel to refer to all17military munitions that have been used, discarded, buried, or abandoned. The term18encompasses the materials that are the subject of this handbook, such as UXO, materials19in soil from partially exploded or decomposing ordnance that make the soil reactive and20ignitable, and munitions that have been discarded or buried. It also encompasses21facilities, equipment, and other materials that have high enough concentrations of22explosives to present explosive hazards. The term OE is used at various places in the23handbook where the reference is to all ordnance and explosives, not just UXO. 24

5. Ordnance and explosives area (OE area) — An OE area is any area that may contain25ordnance and explosives and that requires an explosives safety plan prior to26investigation and/or cleanup. Entire ranges or subparts of ranges may be OE areas that27are the target of investigation and cleanup activities.28

6. Buried munitions — Buried munitions are used or unused military munitions that have29been intentionally discarded and buried under the land surface with the intent of30disposal.31

7. Explosive soil — Soil is considered explosive when it contains concentrations of32explosives or propellants such that an explosion hazard is present and the soil is reactive33or ignitable.34


8. Munition constituents — This term refers to the chemical constituents of military1munitions that remain in the environment, including (1) residuals of munitions that2retain reactive and/or ignitable properties, and (2) chemical residuals of explosives that3are not reactive and/or ignitable but may pose a potential threat to human health and the4environment through their toxic properties.5

9. Anomaly — The term is applied to any identified subsurface mass that may be geologic6in origin, UXO, or some other man-made material. Such identification is made through7geophysical investigations and reflects the response of the sensor used to conduct the8investigation.9

10. Clearance — Clearance is the removal of UXO from the surface or subsurface to a10specific depth at active and inactive ranges. This term has been frequently used to11describe responses at CTT ranges. However, the term used in this handbook to describe12responses at CTT ranges and other nonoperational, nonpermitted sites is munitions13response.14

11. Munitions response — The term includes DoD response actions (removal or remedial)15to investigate and address the explosives safety, human health, or environmental risks16presented by ordnance and explosives (OE), also known as munitions and explosives of17concern (MEC) or munition constituents (MC). The term is consistent with the lengthy18definitions of removal and remedial actions that are found in the National Contingency19Plan (NCP). The response could be as simple as administrative or legal controls that20preserve a compatible land use (i.e., institutional controls), or as complicated as a long-21term response action involving sophisticated technology, specialized expertise, and22significant resources.23

1.3 Organization of This Handbook24

The remaining nine chapters of this handbook are organized as follows:25

Chapter 2 — Regulatory Overview26Chapter 3 — Characteristics of Ordnance and Explosives27Chapter 4 — Detection of UXO and Buried Munitions28Chapter 5 — Response Technologies29Chapter 6 — Explosives Safety30Chapter 7 — Planning OE Investigations31Chapter 8 — Devising Investigation and Response Strategies32Chapter 9 — Underwater Ordnance and Explosives33Chapter 10 — Chemical Munitions and Agents (Reserved)34

At the end of each chapter is a section titled “Sources and Resources.” The information on35those pages directs the reader to source material, websites, and contacts that may be helpful in36providing additional information on subjects within the chapter. In addition, it documents some of37the publications and materials used in the preparation of this handbook.38


The handbook is organized in a notebook format because of the potential for change in a1number of important areas, including the regulatory framework and detection and remediation2technologies. Notes are used to indicate that a section is under development.3

Warning

UXO poses a threat to life and safety. All areas suspected of having UXO should be considered unsafe, andpotential UXO items should be considered dangerous. All UXO should be considered fuzed and capable ofdetonation. Only qualified UXO technicians or military explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel shouldconsider handling suspected or actual UXO. All entry into suspected UXO areas should be with qualified UXOtechnicians or EOD escorts.

This page intentionally left blank.1

2U.S. Department of Defense, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security, and U.S. EPAOffice of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Interim Final Management Principles for Implementing ResponseActions at Closed, Transferring, and Transferred (CTT) Ranges, March 7, 2000.

REVIEW DRAFT – Do Not Cite or QuoteChapter 2. Regulatory Overview August 20032-1

2.0 REGULATORY OVERVIEW1

The management of and response to OE (UXO, buried munitions, and explosive soil) and2munitions constituents at CTT ranges and other sites is governed by numerous Federal, State, Tribal3and local laws and may involve interaction among multiple regulatory and nonregulatory authorities.4

5On March 7, 2000, EPA and DoD entered into an interim final agreement to resolve some6

of the issues between the two agencies.2 Some of the central management principles developed by7DoD and EPA are quoted in the next text box. A number of other important issues are addressed8by the principles, which are reprinted as an attachment to this chapter. Some of these will be9referred to in other parts of this regulatory overview, as well as in other chapters of this handbook.10

The discussion that follows describes the current regulatory framework for OE and munitions11constituents, identifies issues that remain uncertain, and identifies specific areas of regulatory12concern in the investigation of and decisions at CTT ranges and other sites. The reader should be13aware that interpretations may change and that final EPA and DoD policy guidance and/or14regulations may alter some assumptions.15

Finally, it is not the purpose of this chapter to provide detailed regulatory analysis of issues16that should be decided site-specifically. Instead, this chapter discusses the regulatory components17of decisions and offers direction on where to obtain more information (see “Sources and Resources”18at the end of this chapter).19

20

Key DoD/EPA Interim Final Management Principles

• The legal authorities that support site-specific response actions at CTT ranges include, but are not limitedto,...CERCLA, as delegated by Executive Order (EO 12580) and the National Oil and Hazardous SubstancesPollution Contingency Plan (the National Contingency Plan, or NCP); the Defense Environmental RestorationProgram (DERP); and the standards of the DoD Explosives Safety Board (DDESB).

• A process consistent with CERCLA and these management principles will be the preferred responsemechanisms used to address UXO at CTT ranges. This process is expected to meet any RCRA correctiveaction requirements.

• DoD will conduct response actions on CTT ranges when necessary to address explosives safety, humanhealth, and the environment. DoD and the regulators must consider explosives safety in determining theappropriate response actions.

• DoD and EPA commit to the substantive involvement of States and Indian Tribes in all phases of the responseprocess, and acknowledge that States and Indian Tribes may be the lead regulators in some cases.

• Public involvement in all phases of the response process is considered to be crucial to the effectiveimplementation of a response.

• These principles do not affect Federal, State, and Tribal regulatory or enforcement powers or authority... nordo they expand or constrict the waiver of sovereign immunity by the United States in any environmental law.

3EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office, Policyfor Addressing Ordnance and Explosives at Closed, Transferring, and Transferred Ranges and Other Sites, July 16,2001, Draft.


2.1 Regulatory Overview1

As recognized in the DoD/EPA Interim Final Management Principles cited above and in2EPA’s draft OE policy,3 the principal regulatory programs that guide the cleanup of CTT ranges3include CERCLA, the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP), and the requirements4of the DoD Explosives Safety Board (DDESB). In addition, the principles assert a preference for5cleanups that are consistent with CERCLA and the CERCLA response process. A number of other6regulatory processes provide important requirements. 7

Federal, State and Tribal laws applicable to off-site response actions (e.g., waste material8removed from the contaminated site or facility), must be complied with. In addition, State9regulatory agencies will frequently use their own hazardous waste authorities to assert their role in10oversight of range investigation and cleanup. The RCRA program provides a particularly important11regulatory framework for the management of OE on CTT ranges. The substantive requirements of12the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) must be achieved when response proceeds13under CERCLA and if those requirements are either applicable, or relevant and appropriate (ARAR)14to the site situation (see Section 2.2.1.1). Substantive requirements of other Federal, State and Tribal15environmental laws must also be met when such laws are ARARs. 16

The following sections briefly describe17the Federal regulatory programs that may be18important in the management of OE.19

2.1.1 Defense Environmental Restoration20Program21

Although the Department of Defense22has been implementing its Installation23Restoration Program since the mid-1970s, it was not until the passage of the Superfund Amendments24and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), which amended CERCLA, that the program was25formalized by statute. Section 211 of SARA established the Defense Environmental Restoration26Program (DERP), to be carried out in consultation with the Administrator of EPA and the States27(including Tribal authorities). In addition, State, Tribal and local governments are to be given the28opportunity to review and comment on response actions, except when emergency requirements make29this unrealistic. The program has three goals:30

• Cleanup of contamination from hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants,31consistent with CERCLA cleanup requirements as embodied in Section 120 of CERCLA32and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP).33

34

Military Instructions

Each service has its own set of instructions on how tocomply with environmental regulations. These areusually expressed as standards or regulations (e.g.,Army uses AR 200-1 and 200-2 for environmentalregulations). Some of the commonly referred to DoDregulations are listed in the “Sources and Resources”section of this chapter but are not discussed here.


• Correction of environmental damage, such as the detecting and disposing of unexploded1ordnance, that creates an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and2the environment. 3

• Demolition and removal of unsafe buildings and structures, including those at Formerly4Used Defense Sites (FUDS).5

2.1.2 CERCLA6

CERCLA (otherwise known as Superfund) is an important Federal law that provides for the7cleanup of releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. The National Oil and8Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) (40 CFR 300) provides the blueprint to9implement CERCLA. Although the Federal Government (through EPA and/or the other Federal10agencies) is responsible for implementation of CERCLA, the States, Federally recognized Tribal11governments, and communities play a significant role in the law’s implementation.12

CERCLA (Section 104) authorizes a response when:13

• There is a release or threat of a release of a hazardous substance into the environment,14or15

• There is a release or threat of a release into the environment of any pollutant or16contaminant that may present an imminent and substantial danger to the public health or17welfare18

The CERCLA process (described briefly below) examines the nature of the releases (or potential19releases) to determine if there is an unacceptable threat to human health and the environment.20

The principal investigation and cleanup processes implemented under CERCLA may involve21removal or remedial actions. Generally:22

1. Removal actions are time sensitive actions often designed to address emergency23problems or immediate concerns, or to put in place a temporary or permanent remedy to24abate, prevent, minimize, stabilize, or mitigate a release or a threat of release.25

2. Remedial actions are actions consistent with a permanent remedy, taken instead of or26in addition to removal actions to prevent or minimize the release of hazardous27substances. Remedial actions often provide for a more detailed and thorough evaluation28of risks and response options than removal actions. In addition, remedial actions have29as a specific goal attaining a remedy that “permanently reduces the volume, toxicity, or30mobility of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.”31

Whether a removal or remedial action is undertaken is a site-specific determination. In either32case, the process generally involves a number of steps, including timely assessment of whether a33more comprehensive investigation is required, a detailed investigation of the site or area to34determine if there is unacceptable risk, and identification of appropriate alternatives for cleanup,35documentation of the decisions, and design and implementation of a remedy. As noted in the DoD36and EPA Interim 37

4Generally, actions taken at private party sites that are not NPL sites are removal actions. However, in somecases, remedial response actions are taken at these sites as well.


Final Management Principles, CERCLA response actions may include removal actions, remedial1actions, or a combination of the two.2

For the most part, the CERCLA process is implemented at three kinds of sites:3

• Sites placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) (both privately owned sites and those4owned or operated by governmental entities). These are sites that have been assessed5using a series of criteria, the application of which results in a numeric score. Those sites6that score above 28.5 are proposed for inclusion on the NPL. The listing of a site on the7NPL is a regulatory action that is published in the Federal Register. Both removal and8remedial actions can be implemented at these sites.9

• Private-party sites that are not placed on the NPL but are addressed under the removal10program.411

• Non-NPL sites owned or controlled by Federal agencies (e.g., Department of Defense,12Department of Energy). Both removal and remedial actions may be implemented at13these sites. These sites generally are investigated and cleaned up in accordance with14CERCLA.15

DoD/EPA Interim Final Management Principles Related to Response Actions

DoD components may conduct CERCLA response actions to address explosives safety hazards, to include UXO,on CTT ranges per the NCP. Response activities may include removal actions, remedial actions, or a combinationof the two.

Interim Final Management Principles and Response Actions

The Interim Final Management Principles signed by EPA and DoD make a number of statements that bring keyelements of the Superfund program into a range cleanup program regardless of the authority under which it isconducted. Some of the more significant statements of principle are quoted here:

• Characterization plans seek to gather sufficient site-specific information to identify the location, extent, andtype of any explosives safety hazards (particularly UXO), hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants,and “other constituents;” identify the reasonably anticipated future land uses; and develop and evaluateeffective response alternatives.

• In some cases, explosives safety, cost, and/or technical limitations may limit the ability to conduct a responseand thereby limit the reasonably anticipated future land uses....

• DoD will incorporate any Technical Impracticability (TI) determinations and waiver decisions in appropriatedecision documents and review those decisions periodically in coordination with regulators.

• Final land use controls for a given CTT range will be considered as part of the development and evaluationof the response alternatives using the nine criteria established under CERCLA regulations (i.e., NCP)....Thiswill ensure that any land use controls are chosen based on a detailed analysis of response alternatives and arenot presumptively selected.

• DoD will conduct periodic reviews consistent with the Decision Document to ensure long-term effectivenessof the response, including any land use controls, and allow for evaluation of new technology for addressingtechnical impracticability determinations.


The authority to implement the CERCLA program is granted to the President of the1United States. Executive Order 12580 (January 23, 1987) delegates most of the management of the2program to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, DoD, and the Department of Energy3(DOE), and other Federal land managers (e.g., Department of Interior) are delegated response4authority at their non-NPL facilities, for remedial actions and removal actions other than5emergencies. They must still consult with Federal, State, and Tribal regulatory authorities, but make6the “final” decision at their sites. DoD and DOE are delegated responsibility for response authorities7at NPL facilities as well. When a DoD or DOE facility is on the NPL, however, under Section 120,8EPA must concur with the Record of Decision (decision document).9

Whether EPA concurrence is required or not, EPA and the States have substantial oversight10responsibilities that are grounded in both the CERCLA and DERP statutes.11

• Extensive State and Tribal involvement in the removal and remedial programs is12provided for (CERCLA Section 121(f)). A number of very specific provisions13addressing State and Tribal involvement are contained in the NCP (particularly, but not14exclusively, Subpart F).15

• Notification requirements apply to all removal actions, no matter what the time period.16Whether or not the notification occurs before or after the removal is a function of time17available and whether it is an emergency action. State, Tribal and community18involvement is related to the amount of time available before a removal action must start.19If the removal action will not be completed within 4 months (120 days), then a20community relations plan is to be developed and implemented. If the removal action is21a non-time-critical removal action, and more than 6 months will pass before it will be22initiated, issuance of the community relations plan, and review and comment on the23proposed action, occurs before the action is initiated. (National Contingency Plan, 4024CFR 300.415).25

In addition, DERP also explicitly discusses State involvement with regard to releases of26hazardous substances:27

• DoD is to promptly notify Regional EPA and appropriate State and local authorities of28(1) the discovery of releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances and the29extent of the threat to public health and the environment associated with the release, and30(2) proposals made by DoD to carry out response actions at these sites, and of the start31of any response action and the commencement of each distinct phase of such activities.32

• DoD must ensure that EPA and appropriate State and local authorities are consulted (i.e.33have an opportunity to review and comment) at these sites before taking response actions34(unless emergency circumstances make such consultation impractical) (10 U.S.C. §352705).36

5Under CERCLA §120(h)(3)(C), contaminated property may be transferred outside the Federal Governmentprovided the responsible Federal agency makes certain assurances, including that the property is suitable for transferand that the cleanup will be completed post-transfer.


2.1.3 CERCLA Section 1201

Section 120 of CERCLA is explicit as to the manner in which

handbook on the management of unexploded ordnance at...

Documents